HELENA — The Montana Department of Corrections said Tuesday it is seeking bids for a new 120-bed medium security prison to help deal with an increasing number of prisoners, particularly among those needing special care.

The agency said it is looking for a contractor to house the inmates at either a new or existing building. The Legislature last year authorized about $3 million to develop the facility.

Three private Montana prison operators and three local governments previously expressed interest in providing the beds, including the vacant 464-bed Two Rivers Authority prison in Hardin.

The Department of Corrections said it wants more prison space for inmates needing assisted living help, more specialized resources for very young adult inmates and more beds for general medium security inmates.